MY WISH LIST (continued)

I am back with the second half my wish list for the Philadelphia Eagles off-season. Let's get started.

4) Defensive End. This need will, in all likelihood, be addressed through the draft. Coach Reid has a long history of taking linemen in the early rounds, as the Eagles have selected at least one lineman (offensive or defensive) on the first day of the draft every year since 2000, except for '02 in which building a youthful secondary became the goal. Given this history, it is safe to assume that a lineman will be drafted early. But since the last first-round DE selected was Jerome McDougle, and because rookies basically become red-shirt freshman when selected by Philadelphia, free agency could provide a solid veteran to play opposite Trent Cole.

-Justin Smith (Cincinnati Bengals): The Bengals are actively attempting to re-sign their only defensive threat. But Smith is a strong, 28-year old pass rusher. Smith suffered a down year in 2007 with only 2 sacks (on 78 tackles) but had 7.5 sacks in '06 and would benefit from playing with Trent Cole and his 12.5 sacks, rather than the rest of the Cincinnati D-line, which totaled 9.5 total sacks (minus Smith's 2). Smith would also benefit from the Eagles' depth at D-line, with players like Juqua Thomas, Victor Abiamiri and Darren Howard in a rotation, Smith would be able to avoid wearing down in Jim Johnson's attacking-style defense. Smith will have many suitors, however, and it is always likely he will opt to stay with the Bengals.

-Jared Allen (Kansas City Chiefs): It is being reported by Kent Babb in the Kansas City Star that the 25-year old pass rusher will be designated the franchise tag by KC's front office. While this would all but end any interest in Allen by the Eagles (who would have to surrender two first round draft picks to sign a 'franchise player'), if the Chiefs don't franchise Allen and he hits the open market, he could be among the most sought after free agents in the league. Allen brought down opposing quarterbacks 15.5 times last season, and also forced 3 fumbles and had 10 pass deflections. At 6-foot 6-inches and 270 pounds, Allen is the monster end that would put the Eagles defense over the top, and put their D-line among the ranks of the New York Giants. While it may take a quite a bit of money to lure Allen to Philadelphia, the Eagles, as stated earlier, do value linemen, and a big, young, pass-rushing force is exactly what Jim Johnson needs to once again coach a dominant defense. Here's hoping.

--Paul Spicer (Jacksonville Jaguars): The 32-year old lead the Jags is sacks last season with 7.5, matching his career high from the '05 season. Spicer is a load at 6'4", 295 lbs. Although Spicer is on the older side, he did not really catch on until the '05 season after entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions. Since the '05 season, Spicer has recorded 18 sacks (7.5, 3, 7.5) on a solid Jacksonville defensive unit. Depending on where a few of the higher-profile DEs end up, Spicer could be an under the radar FA signing with a big impact, especially on a defense like Philly's, where the near-300 pounder would be a part of a rotation along the D-line that would allow Spicer to go all out during the downs he's on the field, and be spelled by more-than-adequate ends when the mammoth needs a blow on the sideline.

5) SPECIAL TEAMS
-I believe Sav Rocca will be given one more season to prove himself in 2008, but if he does not improve on his net average of 34.5 yards per punt he will be replaced.
-Although David Akers has been one of the best kickers in the league in the 2000s, it seems that Akers may not have ever fully recovered from his torn hamstring in 2005, losing Koy Detmer as his holder and losing Mike Bartrum as his snapper. With a full season of getting to know Jon Dorenbos and Sav Rocca look for Akers to improve upon his dissappointing 2007, but also for Philly's coaching staff to bring in a kicker to push Akers through training camp and possibly to handle kick-offs, as Akers has been losing quite a bit of distance, and is no longer the touchback threat he once was.
-The coverage just needs to improve and hopefully when the Eagles bring in impact starters through free agency, the solid players who have lost their starting jobs will step up on special teams and be able to pin other teams deep in their own territory and possibly force some turnovers. One free agent who would be an excellent addition would be former-Bird Keith "Bullet" Adams. Adams is a high-motor, special teams stud who fell out of favor with the Eagles because he was not an every down starter. Also, the hopeful addition of a safety will allow Quintin Mikell to re-assert himself as the captain and chief play-maker of the special teams.
-Returner. This will probably be addressed in the draft. One must assume the days of Reno Mahe and starting at the 20-yard line on every drive are over. Or at least Coach Reid and his staff will do what they can to ensure those days are over. At this point, the offense lacks identity and the ability to go 80-yards on every possession and needs a game breaker in the return game to alleviate the load that McNabb and Westbrook had to carry in '07. Let's just hope the coaching staff chooses a returner with more than one error-full preseason game's experience.

This is MY WISH LIST for the 2008 Eagles off-season. Hopefully the decision makers down in the NovaCare Complex put together a similar list, one that will put players in positions to win a Championship for Philadelphia.